OD, MBE, HonMUniv, JP, M.Ed, IENG, MIET
Help Tackle a Hidden Crisis
Nearly 2 million older people in the UK are living in poverty unseen and often forgotten. Currently, 20% of Black seniors experience food insecurity, compared with 6.3% of White seniors. To address this inequality, our aim is to provide food security while supporting the physical and mental health of older people from Black and culturally diverse communities in Derby. We also encourage individuals and organizations to volunteer their time, resources, and support in any way they can because we are stronger together.
I have been a member of the Derby West Indian Community Association for over 50 years and have always been proud of their tireless efforts to support the Derby community, especially African Caribbean members and older people.
As a disabled elder, I cannot fully express how valuable the meal delivery service has been to me. On one occasion, I mentioned that I was not happy with a meal I received. Without hesitation, Nezrine, one of the volunteers, reassured me that I had the right to speak up. She then personally followed up to ensure that all future meals met my needs and expectations.
This experience is just one example of the Association’s genuine care, respect, and commitment to the wellbeing of the elders they serve.
Stronger Together is a community-led programme supporting older people, particularly elders from Black and culturally diverse communities. We help reduce isolation and improve wellbeing by providing food support, welfare checks, wellness activities, and social opportunities. Driven by dedicated volunteers, we work to ensure elders feel valued, supported, and connected within their community.
The heart of Stronger Together lies in the dedication of our volunteers and donors, whose efforts often go unseen. Year after year, people like our chairman, George Mighty, and many committee members some serving for 30 to 60 years give their time, skills, and energy not for recognition or reward, but out of love for their community.
The support of the Derby community in caring for our elders is truly inspiring. We thank all volunteers who deliver food, carry out welfare checks, and offer support, and we welcome contributions from farms, restaurants, and food-recycling companies to help feed older people.
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Derby West Indian Community Association (DWICA) Registered Charity No. 517068